It brought to an end Leinster's hopes in this season's competition and gives the Edinburgh head coach, Andy Robinson, some trust in the future. For all Leinster's glamour with Brian O'Driscoll, Gordon D'Arcy, Girvan Dempsey and Felipe Contepomi in their line-up, they were unseated by a side who refused to give an inch.

Phil Godman kicked 16 of Edinburgh's points and was their inspiration in a performance of grit, determination and invention, which gave Edinburgh their first Heineken success of the season.

Leinster had all the early possession. Contepomi put the Irish side ahead with a neat penalty goal and they maintained the pressure before a high tackle gave Godman a chance to tie the scores.

Godman then banged over another penalty and for a moment the Leinster forwards were in trouble, though Edinburgh were unable to capitalise before Godman struck with his third shot.

Then came the cry: Nick de Luca gathered the ball and passed to Andrew Turnbull, who delayed his pass to Simon Webster for a lovely score, beating Dempsey in the process. Godman converted to make it 16-3.

Leinster contrived their best with seven five-metre scrums, though none earned a reward until Contepomi kicked a grubber into goal. De Luca impeded O'Driscoll and a penalty try was awarded. At 16-10 there was still plenty to play for. Edinburgh had to keep the ball away from the Leinster pack in which Bernard Jackman, Malcolm O'Kelly and Shane Jennings were outstanding.

Almost unnoticed, Mike Blair dropped a goal before Ben Cairns snapped up a loose ball for an opportunist try, which Godman again converted. Leinster now needed three converted tries or two tries and a penalty to win. Godman's fourth penalty put an end to their hopes.